Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Information

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• Program Cost
• Selection Process and Deadlines
• Program Goals
• Technical Standards
• Graduation Rates

Program Cost

Selection Process and Deadlines

After the qualified applicant pool has been established, students will earn points based upon six categories, the maximum number of earned points possible being 100.  The top 20 candidates determined from the established point system will be selected for the OTA Program.  (In case of a tie for the 20th position, preference will be given to applicants from underserved areas or underrepresented populations of Kentucky). top 20 candidates determined from the established point system will be selected for the OTA Program.  (In case of a tie for the 20th position, preference will be given to applicants from underserved areas or underrepresented populations of Kentucky).

Points are earned in these six categories:

Total Number of Points Possible = 100

Preference may be given to applicants who are veterans, active duty personnel, their spouses and also displaced workers who qualify under the Trade Adjustment Act.

Program Goals

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is designed to provide a quality educational experience that will train prospective professionals in the art and science of promoting and maintaining the holistic health and wellness of people, organizations, and populations through engagement in occupation. Graduates will be able to perform/engage as entry-level professionals under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT).  Graduates will develop skills necessary for employment as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, thereby meeting the student's individual needs and the expressed healthcare needs of the local and extended communities served by the Colleges. The program strives to fill a growing need for professionals able to contribute to all facets of occupational therapy, from community-based programs to client-centered interventions. The program promotes the value and professional importance of life-long learning.

Technical Standards

The occupational therapy assistant, under the supervision of a professional occupational therapist, works to promote and maintain the holistic health of individuals in the community.  The program strives to fill a growing need for professionals able to contribute to all facets of occupational therapy from assessment to treatment termination.  Therefore, in order to work successfully with clients, all applicants should possess sufficient performance skills in the areas of:

1. sensory functions including visual acuity, such as observation skills necessary for administering client care and reading equipment gauges and settings used in treatments;
2. sensory functions including auditory perception to receive verbal communication and to execute client care through the use of monitoring devices;
3. strength and gross and fine motor coordination and motor praxis skills to respond promptly and to implement client care skills, such as the manipulation of equipment, and positioning and lifting clients;
4. communication and social skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with the individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the client’s interest; and
5. intellectual, cognitive, and emotional functions to implement the plan of care.

Graduation Rates